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I was probably ten years old when I came to realize that I was not only happy to see them, but the presence of their light grey pickup truck in the driveway also meant a break from whatever chores or projects we would be working on at the time. We would always take the time to sit down and visit with one another. It was during these visits that I heard some of the most fascinating stories about the way things used to be. I remember thinking how times have changed and how difficult it must have been for them growing up.
As a teenager, I began to understand there was nothing that my grandparents had not seen or heard. I don’t think it mattered what subject we talked about; they would offer their advice and seemed to know what I was going through in my life. I believe that grandparents have the ability to look at a situation from all angles. Their wisdom is always supportive and reassuring, especially in difficult times. One of my fondest memories was the time when my grandpa asked me to teach him to play the accordion. Even though I taught him a little about music, he ended up teaching me a great deal about life. Grandpa, even at his age, showed me you’re never too old to learn or try something new.
As I look back on the times I shared with my grandparents, I have come to realize why “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa” was so easy for me to write and why I have enjoyed entertaining the residents at local nursing homes all my life. I am proud to say that at one nursing home in particular, I am their longest volunteer, entertaining the residents once a month for over twenty years. They are our nation’s grandparents, and they are always so appreciative of the time I spend with them. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to meet so many interesting grandparents, and I hope I have the opportunity to meet many more.
What really amazes me is that I wrote “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa” in about fifteen minutes. I never dreamt it would receive this kind of recognition. I feel very honored that “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa” is now the official song of National Grandparent’s Day.”